The new American Idol judge has been in New York City taking part in the audition process. She was also at a book party last night when she spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about her new gig.

She said, “I try to be honest and I try to be constructive. I don’t know if that means that I’m nice or mean or whatever. I’m a producer and I’m a songwriter, and I look at myself as a singer as kind of third. But I look at these kids as though we’re in the studio producing a record. And if I feel they should have done something a certain way, I’ll say, ‘you can try this, you can try this,’ only in a constructive way, to sort of be a guide and someone to give them guidance rather than, like, judging somebody.”

Asked about working with Nicki Minaj – the mom-of-two was vague but was positive about the show.

“You know what, I think the whole thing is gonna be an experience that unfolds each day. But it’s cool, I’m glad to be there, and right now after this, I’m going to the studio and working on some new music and (I’m) excited about that. … That’s always gonna be the most exciting thing for me.”